K-W's Ashton Smith drives toward the basket against Sudbury. (Photo: Dan Congdon)

Titans beat Sudbury to pull closer to playoff position

With just 12 games remaining in the National Basketball League schedule, the push is officially on for the K-W Titans. Entering Thursday's game in Sudbury against the Five, the Titans trailed the home side by four games for the final playoff spot. For K-W, it was as much of a must-win scenario as the Titans have had this season. Surely, it will not be their last.

In a low-scoring first quarter, Sudbury controlled much of the pace with good ball movement and timely baskets, outscoring K-W 26-21. The floor opened up in the second frame though, as the Titans collectively finally found their shooting stride, knocking down threes at a 51.4% clip. Meanwhile, Sudbury struggled from beyond the arc and K-W stormed back to take a 56-48 lead into the break. In the third quarter, it was more of a struggle for the Titans shooters but the unit tightened up on defense and waited for their opportunities at the other end of the floor. Akeem Ellis had nine points and four boards for K-W in the quarter as the vistors rode his hot hand to an 85-70 lead heading into the final period. Knowing that Sudbury's push was imminant, the Titans caught themselves in foul trouble, putting the Five on the free throw line 13 times compared to getting there only once themselves. They counted on their stellar perimeter defense though and got 10 points off the bench from Denzel James, hanging on to win the game, 113-100. 

Ellis finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Damon Lynn poured in 22 and 6 assists. Every Titans starter reached double digits and the bench added 24 big points. K-W's record climbs to 13-15 with the win, inching closer to Sudbury's even 16-16 mark. The Titans hold four games in hand over Sudbury, all of which will be key for K-W in its push toward the NBL playoffs.   The first-place St. John's Edge will visit The Aud tomorrow night, tip-off at 7:00 pm.